Much like the sports day at school where everyone who showed up was given a prize, Northern Ireland will now also be honoured with the Medal of the City of Paris for the general soundness of their supporters in France.
With the news yesterday that Irish fans and their good natured singing/drinking/car repairs had earned them the esteem of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, that same honour has now been extended to our neighbours to the north.
A statement from the Mayor's office read:
The supporters from Ireland and Northern Ireland distinguished themselves by their exemplary attitude, fair play and good mood.
Congrats to @NorthernIreland #GAWA football fans - awarded Medal of City of Paris for "exemplary sportsmanship"! 👏😀 pic.twitter.com/BqbAItHk6N
— Visit Belfast (@VisitBelfast) June 30, 2016
Northern Irish fans commended fans from the Republic for singing 'Stand Up For The Ulstermen' in the 24th minute of the game with Sweden to mark the tragic passing of Ballymena native Darren Rodgers.
An official ceremony to commend Irish fans will be held in the French capital in the coming days and, while it's not known yet if there will be any Irish representatives present, we're sure that Will Grigg will be there in spirit at least.
